Thomas County cat. [volume] (Colby, Kan.) 1885-1891, 1887-12-15

that l loved him until had met Fred
Dare. He dazzled me, and I no longer
cared for John. So refused him; AID
shortly afterward the fortune came to
me. and l became engaged to Fred
Dare.
But of late-os late-my mind had
misgiven me strangely as to the wis
domof my choice. loved Fred still.
but / wondered why loved him, and
even doubted the sincerity Of his re-
gard for me. And now, as I reflected
on his constant affection and acknowl-
edged in my soul how little deserved
it. vague regret oppressed my heart
and longed for his esteem and pardon.
Under the influence of this feeling
said. suddenly:
Forgive me. John-forgive me!'
He came instantly to my side.
There is nothing to forgive" he said
You followed the dictates of your
heart, my dear; l pray God it may
bring you true happiness.
And felt more miserable and re-
| gretful than ever after that, and fell to
plying myself, somehow, just as l had
pitied John.
Next morning, at my own house,
Fred came rushing in with a wild,
white face.
The bankr' he cried. wasn't
your money in the Simpson Bank?"
,, 7 till hin,
Then it is goner' he groaned.
The banks Observation-Disclosures
your fortunes gone and you're 6
beggar."
He sat down like one stunned. and
covered his face with his hands and
groaned bitterly. l felt inexpressibly
touched and gratified to see him take
my loss so much to heart. l reproached
myself for every doubt had harbored
against him. This absolute sympathy
with my supposed misfortune was so
sweet that resolved not Immediately
to undeceive him. l sat down beside
him and took his hatd.
Don't grieve so deeply" I said,
smiling. Money is not every thing
in the world. See how calm am. and
of course it is for my sake you are
grieved The loss of my fortune may
be endured SO long as l am sure OF
your love"
He put my hand away impatiently.
You talk absurdly," he said. "This
is no affair of sentiment. As to my
love-of course l love you just as
much as ever did. q believe this tc
have been literally true.) But that is
not the question. Your money i:
gone. What are you going to do?''
An air of embarrassment came over
him, and he averted his eyes from
mine.
I'm short, how will you be able tc
live?'
began to understand him. Scorr
filled my heart. Was it for this mar
l had lost John Arnold? But l re
solved to make him speak out anc
show himself in his true colors fol
once.
So l said. very simply and quietly:
''How shall 1 live? Why, where i:
the difficulty? Am not soon to be
your wife?''
He arose.
Il am sorry" he stammercd; "sorry
that your own good sense does moi
spare me the necessity of pointing Out
to you the inadvisability of our marry.
ing. l, too, have had losses-I an
quite poor; could not support you a:
l should wish. lit quite breaks my
heart TOTO release you, of course; but
l feel it my duty to do So You are
young and handsome still. will moi
Interfere with your chances of marry.
ing well. should wish
interrupted him: "YOu would wish
me to set you free? Well. be under nc
apprehensions; l do SO with all my
heart. Our engagement is at an end.
never. under any circumstances, to be
renewed. Before You 60. however,. let
me inform you of one thing. My
money had been withdrawn from the
bank-as should have told you. had
you given me time-and is not lost. /
have my fortune still. Good morning,
SIR"
Three months later told John all
about that parting scene. John was
about to invest the money for me, and
had limited at the propriety of consult
ing Mr.. Dare. ..He has no longer any
interest in me or my affairs" 1 said,
and told him all. He stood thought
fully looking into the fire.
Il wish the money had been lost, In
deed" he said.
l crept closer to him. ''Why. john"
] said. IF had no money at all, what
would become of me?"
He looked down into my eyes. 81
would ask you to be my wife" he said.
Then there was silence for little
moment, and then-he turned away.
My heart gave great bound. l
stretched forth my hands to detain
him.
john / cried. and hid nv face on